Gurley family papers, 1781-1887 | Louisiana Research Collection

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Box 1: Gurley family papers

Folder 1: Commission of Albert Aemy Muller to Major of Brigade to General Maison by Benjamin Guerad, Governor of South Carolina, 1781 August 22

Signed with seal.

Folder 2: John Ward Gurley, New Orleans, to Governor Claiborne, 1805 July 25

He advises the Governor that as Register of Land he is preparing to take a two month trip into the western and northern counties to explain to the people the new law and furnish them with forms for registering their land. He feels the law will be unpopular and difficult to carry out.

Folder 3: Unknown to unknown, 1805 August 10

He is accompanying Gurley on his journey and explains Gurley's hostile expressions. Copy.

Folder 4: John Ward Gurley, New Orleans, to Edward Livingston, 1805 September 6

He has just returned to the territory, and after considering Livingston's request, he cannot at this time meet him out of the territory.

Folder 5: Edward Livingston, New Orleans, to John Ward Gurley, 1805 September 8

He expresses astonishment that Gurley has refused his request and asks him to reconsider so he will not have to obtain satisfaction for an insult.

Folder 6: John Ward Gurley, New Orleans to Edward Livingston, 1805 September 8

He questions Livingston's facts, gives his side of what happened and refuses to meet him outside the territory.

Folder 7: Edward Livingston, New Orleans, to John Ward Gurley, 1805 September 9

He thinks there has been a misunderstanding, that Gurley's memory is incorrect, but gives in and agrees to arrange a meeting within the territory.

Folder 8: John Ward Gurley, New Orleans, to Major William Nott, 1805 September 12

He informs his friend that for the last time he is trying to settle things with Edward Livingston and asks Mott to bear his message to him.

Folder 9: Edward Livingston, New Orleans, to Philip Jones, 1805 September 14

He makes observations in reply to John Ward Gurley's note that he wishes Jones to impart to Gurley. He justifies and explains his intentions and conduct in their dispute, feels it arose from a lie told about him to Gurley and feels there is only one man capable of such a calumny.

Folder 10: John Ward Gurley, New Orleans, to Major William Nott, 1805 September 14

If Edward Livingston's spirit of conciliation is sincere and if he declares he did not make use of the injurious expression, he will give him full satisfaction.

Folder 11: John Ward Gurley, New Orleans to William Nott, 1805 September 14

If Edward Livingston denies making expressions derogatory to him, he will withdraw the injurious language Livingston complains of.

Folder 12: Edward Livingston, New Orleans, to Philip Jones, 1805 September 15

The expressions in his former communications were a denial of the truth of the information on which Gurley acted.

Folder 13: John Ward Gurley, New Orleans, to Edward Livingston, 1805 September 15

If Livingston wishes revocation he should send him an explicit denial,

Folder 14: Edward Livingston, New Orleans, to John Ward Gurley, 1805 September 15

He complies with Gurley's wish and denies the truth of the information Gurley states as grounds of his conduct.

Folder 15: John Ward Gurley, New Orleans to Edward Livingston, 1805 September 15

He revokes the injurious explanation and now considers it wholly inapplicable.

Folder 16: John Ward Gurley, New Orleans to unknown, 1807 November 2

He discusses the Supreme Court decision that Edward Livingston and Jean Gavier are the proprietors of the batture land and says he doesn't know if the United States has title, but gives facts from the case. He was counsel for the city in the case.

Folder 17: John Ward Gurley, New Orleans to unknown, 1807 November 4

It is difficult to say exactly what advantages may result from this or that pursuit in this country, owing to the political situation. In the event of war this part of the country would suffer the most. However it offers the most advantages to a man of enterprise and talent. New Orleans will soon become of great importance and will offer considerable business to a man of "our profession". However the Civil or Roman Law prevailing here will cause some difficulty. The greatest advantage is as a planter with a few Negroes. Land is cheap and great fortunes can be made. He would be happy to have visitors from the north to dispel the prejudices which are held by that part of the Union. There is nothing to fear from the climate.

Folder 18: John Ward Gurley, New Orleans, to F.L. Jones, 1808 March 1

Gurley asks Jones to state whether he has said that he "duped and deceived him in relation to the office of sheriff."

Folder 19: John Ward Gurley, New Orleans, to Brown, 1808 March 1

He requests that Brown state to him in writing all the conversations they had concerning his request that Gurley state to the governor the ability of Brown's brother-in-law as sheriff since misrepresentations about it have injured Gurley's reputation.

Folder 20: F.L. Jones, New Orleans, to John Ward Gurley, 1808 March 2

He is always ready to any charges attributed to him in the same manner they used at Duplissis.

Folder 21: John Ward Gurley, New Orleans to F.L. Jones, 1808 March 2

He is surprised at Jones not complying with his request and repeats it. Rough draft.

Folder 22: John Ward Gurley, New Orleans to Henry Hosford Gurley, 1808 March 2

Circumstances compel him to meet a man tomorrow who has it to deprive him of his honor. In case of unfortunate event he asks him to aid in the settlement of his affairs and gives a list of his property.

Folder 23: John Ward Gurley, New Orleans, to Governor Claiborne, 1808 March 2

He informs his friend the Governor that he is forced to act in opposition to the Governor's opinion because his enemy has just enough standing to injure him. He hopes their friendship of four years will insure his character in dispute of the malin of his enemies. He also recommends notice and friendship of his brother in case of mishap. True copy.

Folder 24: In John Ward's Gurley hand, undated

Substance of conversation which passed between Edward Livingston and Gurley concerning their dispute.

Folder 25: Unsigned, undated

My friend has always considered time and place important in the arrangement with Mr. C. and that his public duties will not admit his departure from the territory.

Folder 26: John Ward Gurley to unknown, undated

Asks for a written explanation of the abusive and unmerited language he received from him.

Folder 27: John Ward Gurley, undated

Last part of a list of land and slaves to be sold at the Coffee House in New Orleans.

Folder 28: Three excerpts copied from newspapers about John Ward Gurley, 1800s

Folder 29: John Murdock, Thompson Creek, to Judge Henry Hosford Gurley, Baton Rouge, 1815 September 30

Asks Gurley, who is his attorney, to send him a bond from the sale of a property.

Folder 30: James Brown, Washington, to Henry Hosford Gurley, New Orleans, 1822 July 24

He discusses business in the two houses of Congress, including the Bankrupt Law, the bill changing the compensation of the officers of the customs, the Resolution of Maryland instructing their senators and representatives to apply for donation of land for the old states equal in amount to those granted the new states.

Folder 31: Peter S. Du Ponceau, Philadelphia, to W.W. Gurley, Washington, 1824 May 1

He discusses the case of the Le Blanc heirs.

Folder 32: Henry Clay correspondence, 1824 June 21, 22

1824 June 21. Henry Clay, Ashland, to Gurley. He asks Gurley to help in the recovery of a slave, Isham, who belonged to Mrs. Clay's mother, Mrs. Hart. In 1812, she allowed Isham to accompany her son Captain Hart, who was killed in the Battle of Raisin. They believed Isham also killed but had received word he is in the possession of a man in Baton Rouge and want to recover him and give him his freedom that he is entitled to.

1824 June 22. Henry Clay, Ashland to Henry Hosford Gurley. A note saying Fielding Bradford of St. Francisville can identify Isham.

Folder 33: Edward Livingston, Chateau de Montgomery, to Henry Hosford Gurley, East Baton Rouge, 1824 September 24

He congratulates Gurley on his re-election to the House and says he thinks they can do much together for their constituents that new men couldn't do. He has finished his part in the commercial code and it should arrive in the spring. He asks Gurley to counteract the false suggestion made to the Florida members that he was concerned in Morals and Concessions and the English grants.

Folder 34: Correspondence and other papers, 1825 January 23-December 15

1825 January 23. J.B. Dawson, New Orleans, to Henry Hosford Gurley, Washington. Judge Porter would accept a Judgeship in the Circuit Court System.

1825 February 28. Sam L. Southard, Navy Department, to Henry Hosford Gurley, in Congress. The case of young Peniston will not be forgotten.

1825 December 15. Joseph S. Johnston, Washington, to Mr. Gurley, New Orleans. He discusses business in Congress regarding the School Land Resolution, plan for adjustment of Florida Claim and recommends Wells as Sheriff of Rapides Parish.

Folder 35: Bills from Zachary Taylor, 1826 April 30

Bill from Zachary Taylor to United States for office rent and fuel while he supervised the recruiting office at Louisville.

Bill from Zachary Taylor to United States for a per diem allowance for extra services and expenses as superintendent of the recruiting service for the Western Department.

Folder 36: Correspondence and other papers, 1826 May 24-November 11

1826 May 24. Edward Livingston, Washington to Henry Gurley, Wheeling. He is detained by his supervision of the printing of the System of Penal Laws for the United States.

1826 October 28. Certificate of election of Edward Livingston, Henry Gurley, and William Breut as Congressmen.

1826 October 30. Henry Johnston, New Orleans to Henry Gurley. He encloses the certificate of Gurley's election.

1826 November 11. E.W. Ripley, New Orleans, to Henry Hosford Gurley. Marshal John Nicholson is afraid his commission won't be renewed due to his Jackson partialities and Ripley hopes a system of postscription won't be commenced by the government.

Folder 37: John McLean, 1827 January 18-March 5

1827 January 18. John McLean, Post Office Department, to Gurley. Details of the appointment of a Postmaster at New Orleans some years ago.

1827 March 5. John McLean, Post Office Department, to Henry Hosford Gurley. Mail delivery between towns in Louisiana.

Folder 38: Tobias Watkings, Washington, to Henry Hosford Gurley. Asks Gurley's help in ascertaining if Clay's friends ever made a proposal to General Jackson that if he would promise not to appoint Adams Secretary of State, they would make him president., 1827 May

Folder 39: Henry Clay, Washington, to Henry Hosford Gurley, Baton Rouge, 1827 June 1

Asks that Gurley answer Watkings' letter.

Folder 40: Richard Cutts, Treasury Department, to Joseph Barboren, Secretary of War, concerning Zachary Taylor's claim for a per diem allowance for extra services and rent and fuel, 1827 June11

Copy. Verso. June 20. Richard Cutts, Treasury Department, to William Lee, concerning Taylor's claim.

Folder 41: Zachary Taylor correspondence, 1827 November 2-December 28

1827 November 2. Zachary Taylor, Baton Rouge, to Henry Hosford Gurley. Asks Gurley to consult with Wickliff about some accounts Taylor left with him.

1827 December 28. Zachary Taylor, New Orleans, to Henry Hosford Gurley, Washington. He gives his side of the subject of his per diem allowance which was rejected by Richard Cutts.

Folder 42: Correspondence and other papers, 1828 February 1-October 27

1828 February 1. Printed invitation from the President to Gurley for dinner.

1828 February 9. Robert Desha, Washington, to Henry Hosford Gurley. Assures Gurley that he did not intend to wound his feelings by a toast he made.

1828 June 1. James Porter, New Orleans, to Henry Hosford Gurley, Baton Rouge. Introduces A.N. Ogden.

1828 October 27. D. Bouligny, New Orleans, to Henry Hosford Gurley, Baton Rouge. Asks for Gurley's support in the next election.

Folder 43: Correspondence and other papers, 1828 November 10-December 8

1828 November 10. John Culbertson, New Orleans, to Henry Hosford Gurley, Washington. Thanks Gurley for his attention to his claim which has been laid over until the next secession.

1828 December 18. Lieutenant Adams, Baton Rouge, to Henry Hosford Gurley, Washington. He wants the Reverend Albert Muller considered as chaplain of Mississippi and Louisiana, a post he hopes Congress will make provision for this secession.

Folder 44: Philemon Thomas, New Orleans, to Henry Hosford Gurley, Washington, 1828 December 19

The legislature does little and gets worse and worse. They are waiting for Congress to confirm or reject the law concerning the Navigation Company's control of the Island of Orleans, who he refers to as blood-suckers, and says they would incorporate a Canal Company if it weren't for that law. There are plenty of people to run for Senate, but he will back Johnson. They received the President's message and fear they won't get another such one except from Henry Clay. It shows the government was never more prosperous. The people are not satisfied and office seekers are behind this. Edward Livingston is electioneering with all his might. He pretends he is and has been a friend of Floveday, but we know what kind of friend he has been.

Folder 45: Correspondence and other papers, 1829 January 1, 16

1829 January 1. Richard Varick and others, New York, to Henry Gurley, Washington. Printed letter asking Congress to amend the laws regulating the Post Office so that it will not be open on the Sabbath.

1829 January 16. Invitation to Henry Gurley for dinner with Van Rensselaer, Gooham, and Everett.

Folder 46: Correspondence and other papers, 1829 February 25-November 9

1829 February 25. D. Bouligny, J.S. Johnson, and William Brent, Washington, to unknown. Would like him to nominate Henry Hosford Gurley for office of United States District Judge in Louisiana.

1829 April 11. Fulwar Skipweirth, Monresano, to Henry Hosford Gurley.

1829 April 24. T.B. Reid, Natchez, to Henry Gurley, Baton Rouge.

1829 August 28. Citizens of the United States and Merchants resident in Paris, to Andrew Jackson, President of the United States, recommending Nathaniel Nibs as consul in Paris in view of his qualifications and the general dissatisfaction given by the present incumbent. Copy.

1829 November 9. John McDonogh, New Orleans, to Henry Hosford Gurley, relative to two land claims to Congress which Gurley agreed to take charge of.

Folder 47: Alexander Hamilton, New York, to Henry Hosford Gurley, Washington, 1830 March 5

He sent Gurley a New York Herald containing some remarks on the interests of the Louisiana planters. The paper is under his influence and the reflections were his and he would be happy to hear Gurley's opinions. Asks for a copy of the report on Indian Affairs.

Folder 48: A resolution by the Louisiana Senate and House of Representatives that the Tariff of 1828 is constitutional and harmless to the Southern States, 1830 April 20

Signed by Jacques Dupre, acting Governor, and George A. Waggerman, Secretary of State.

Folder 49: Correspondence and other papers, 1830 September 4-November 3

1830 September 4. Mary Barney, Baltimore to Henry Hosford Gurley, asking for support for a periodical she is beginning.

1830 November 3. E.D. White, New Orleans, to Henry Hosford Gurley, Baton Rouge. He, Hind, and Ellis are awaiting to sail for New York on the 8th and hope Gurley will be able to go with them.

Folder 50: Henry Hosford Gurley, Washington, to his son John Ward Gurley, Baton Rouge, 1830 December 19

Folder 51: Correspondence and other papers, 1831 January 18-February 17

1831 January 18. Engraved invitation to dinner with the President for Henry Hosford Gurley.

1831 February 17. A.B. Roman, New Orleans, to Henry Hosford Gurley, Washington. He is transmitting a resolution of the General Assembly of Louisiana. Printed resolution. The Senate and House of the State of Louisiana instruct the senators and representatives to represent to the General Government the necessity of deepening the mouth of the Mississippi.

Folder 52: Correspondence and other papers, 1831 October 13-December 6

1831 October 13. W.H. Harrison, North Bend, to Henry Hosford Gurley, Baton Rouge. He encloses an address he made to demonstrate to Gurley his opposition to the repeal of the sugar duty.

1831 December 6. Harriet Gurley, St. Michial, to her brother John Gurley, Baton Rouge.

Folder 53: Correspondence and other papers, 1832 February 27-November 25

1832 February 27. Harriet Gurley, St. Michil, to John Gurley, Baton Rouge.

1832 November 25. A.B. Ogden to John Gurley, Baton Rouge. Expresses his satisfaction with having met him and sympathy with his recent bereavement in the loss of both his parents and urges him to become a Christian.

Folder 54: Speech made at the close of eight years in the Congress of the United States, circa 1830